Asia – Omega (2010)

ASIA – releases their fourth studio album on May 4th, 2010, on Frontiers Records, that features the four original members of this vastly influential and Rock historical band. This new album is “Omega”. I could never put into words, just how talented and important to the history of Progressive Rock Music these four musicians are: Geoff Downes, (keyboards, backing vocals), John Wetton, (bass lead vocals), Steve Howe, (guitar, backing vocals) and Carl Palmer, (drums, percussion).

Granted, the Asia franchise has created music with other lineups while Geoff Downes has steered the Progressive ship, (twelve all-encompassing album releases, spanning three decades, since the iconic and self titled debut release of 1982). With that said, this “Omega” release is testament as to the unmatched Progressive Rock prowess that this original lineup possesses.

As I listen to “I Believe”, I actually do believe this Asia lineup has reached that milestone point in their music career, where they can create what I consider to be the most beautiful Progressive Rock Music one could listen to in 2010. “There Was A Time” progressively plays out at almost six minutes and it is rich with the glistening softness of Geoff Downes’s keys, that weaves its way through Steve Howe’s unearthly guitar, while Carl Palmer and John Wetton apply an almost magical rhythm section. I really do hear magic on “Omega”, excuse me if I feel this way.

If there ever was a progressive element in Rock Music that can be considered the super glue of its layered parts, it is the keyboards. Geoff Downes incredibly inspires the song “I’m Still The Same” with his majestic keyboard play, giving this song it’s progressive decor and mind flight sound and feel. “Don’t Wanna Lose You” is the Classic Rock journey back in time, only Asia musically adds the relevant Rock ambiance that reminds me it is still 2010.

The short and extremely creative guitar leads of Steve Howe resonate his fondness for that 1970’s tone, that so many guitar gods of his generation have captured with splendor. John Wetton may still play as astute as ever on bass, still it is his timeless vocals that are all the listening splendor on “Omega”.

Steve Howe may incorporate the tonal spirit of Classic Rock’s guitar elegance throughout “Omega”, just remember that this is a guitarist that has fortified his very own sound through the decades as well… and his trademark licks are peppered throughout this entire album. “Finger On The Trigger” can easily be pointed out as the Rock out moment on Omega, proving that this legendary lineup has a bounty of uplifting Rock ‘N’ Roll left inside of them… and I never doubted that for one Rockin’ second!

“Holy War” begins instantly on a spirited note, with Geoff Downes hitting the keys in epic fashion. As this song kicks into progressive gear, the realization that Asia is back once again making a song so structurally sound is a Rock Music reality check. The Progressive Rock elegance of “Holy War” has reminded me once again, that Asia has staked their claim as THE most talented supergroup I can ever describe to someone.

“Ever Yours” may just be the tear jerker of “Omega”. The lyrics of Asia’s songs are synonymous with its respective music’s energy it radiates. The musical highs will inevitably catch up to the musical lows, creating a dazzling union of parts and that is what separates Asia apart in the Rock Music world. The songs on “Omega” are musical moments that have personality, feelings and emotion. “Ever Yours” is as sentimental as it is inspirational, proving to me it’s importance to the overall assemblage of songs heard on “Omega”. An Asia ballad is a work of art, not a filler song for iphone lighters at a live concert.

Not to sound silly or corporate in any way, those who know me realize I am not either when it comes to music, especially Rock Music… yet after each listen to “Omega”, I want to stand and applaud this original Asia lineup. Certainly, many will pump their fists into the air and jump up and down with progressive glee, that Asia is not only back, they are back on top. I myself want to do the same fist pumping and jumping in joy, only the Rock historical reverence, that I uphold for these four musicians, has me restraining myself and saying… bravo.

Rating: Out of 10

Track Listing
1. Finger on the Trigger
2. Through My Veins
3. Holy War
4. Ever Yours
5. Listen Children
6. End of the World
7. Light the Way
8. Emily
9. Still the Same
10. There was a Time
11. I Believe
12. Don’t Wanna Lose You Now

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Comments

Let the original John Wetton remain.
The man put Asia into the limelight across the globe. And all praise for putting Asia as the leader in Progressive rock is because of him, Carl Palmer and Geoffrey Downes. Bless you guys. Keep it up.